/library/oar/handle/123456789/17858 2025-12-29T00:57:29Z /library/oar/handle/123456789/141994 Title: Autistic involvement in enhancing accessibility in archaeological sites Abstract: In recent years, several heritage sites from museums to archaeological sites have begun to implement accessible measures to make them more accessible to disabled people, in line with legislation and international conventions. However, the people that are meant to directly benefit from accessible measures are not often consulted on the design and implementation. The scope of the present study is to investigate what accessibility in archaeological sites would look like from the autistic perspective. A qualitative approach was used to carry out this research. The researcher recruited autistic participants and walked with them around two archaeological sites to assess the features, aspects and experience that are accessible to them as autistic individuals in an unstructured interview. The sites chosen were Ħaġar Qim and Mnajdra Archaeological Park and Għar Dalam. The participants identified several barriers that prevented them from enjoying their experience while walking around the sites. Ħaġar Qim had more barriers than Għar Dalam according to the participants’ responses. These responses were then analysed using thematic analysis. The issues raised included direction and wayfinding, the sensory environment, the participants’ willingness to engage with the site, the shortcomings of accessibility for other people with disabilities as well as recommendations to improve the accessibility at both sites. Each theme is discussed within the context of each site. This research demonstrated the potential for including autistic voices in the discourse of accessibility to cultural heritage. The participants have also suggested solutions to improve accessibility to archaeological sites not just for them but for other disabled people who can benefit from accessible measures, such as reducing noise levels, inputting more tactile and interactive exhibits to explore, better signage and wayfinding, and providing more information that can be easily accessible before visiting the site. Description: M.A.(Melit.) 2025-01-01T00:00:00Z /library/oar/handle/123456789/141206 Title: Foundations of a convent city : the genesis and early transformations of Valletta’s urban development between 1566-1576 Description: Ph.D.(Melit.) 2025-01-01T00:00:00Z /library/oar/handle/123456789/141173 Title: Dementia-friendly museum activities : an exploratory study at MUŻA, the Malta national-community art museum Abstract: The role of museums in society have considerably changed over the past few decades. Originally, museums were mainly focused on the conservation, collection and interpretation of cultural heritage objects. Nowadays, museums have also acquired the role of fostering good practices towards promoting inclusivity and supporting social engagement and positive wellbeing. Persons living with dementia can greatly benefit from this. Several museums have already been providing tailored activity programmes for this specific audience. Even within the Maltese context, some activities were organised over the past few years for persons living with dementia, however to my knowledge, no studies have been conducted related to this topic. This dissertation serves as an exploratory study which delves into the design and implementation of an art-viewing activity targeted for participants living with early-stage dementia which was organised at MUŻA, the National-Community Art Museum in Valletta, Malta. It focuses on identifying whether this museum and its collections are suitable for such activities and if so, determining which ways can ensure engagement. Furthermore, an analysis of one such activity can also seek to identify how the main psychosocial needs of persons living with dementia can be met during such an activity. A qualitative approach was adopted for this research. It allowed for an in-depth and focused analysis of the activity that was designed for this exploratory study. Further to this, the triangulation method was applied, which included an observation study of the activity targeted for persons living with early-stage dementia and questionnaires answered by the same participants and accompanying informal caregivers and next of kin. Additionally, interviews with professionals both from the health sector and the cultural heritage sector were held which gave insight on their views when it comes to organising activities for this target audience. Emerging findings from this research study show how the in-the-moment person centred activity organised at MUŻA gave space for the participants to connect and engage in a meaningful way with artworks and artefacts which in turn was also a beneficial experience where the participant’s psychological needs are met. To conclude, this exploratory study could serve as a basis for future research related to this topic in connection to the Maltese context. Thus, this would contribute to the overall wellbeing of persons living with dementia while also being part of a wider community. Description: M.A.(Melit.) 2026-01-01T00:00:00Z /library/oar/handle/123456789/140263 Title: Geopolymer alkali activated concrete based on industrial by-products Abstract: A geopolymer concrete can be produced through alkali activation, using industrial by-products including waste limestone. The production process can be optimised to enhance the mechanical properties of the material, while reducing the environmental impact of the geopolymer concrete. The aim of this research is to develop a new sustainable construction material by eliminating cement as a binder and utilising instead limestone-based waste materials through alkali activation. Additionally, the research aims to optimise the production process to achieve the target mechanical properties of geopolymer concrete [...] Description: M.Eng.(Melit). 2024-01-01T00:00:00Z